That Rifle need to go back to Chapuis now. Or a compitent gunsmith. Before your friend goes abroad.

If those were handloads then tear the whole lot apart dump the powder and start from scratch.
Or better yet deep six the lot and buy some factory Federals for the trip.

The only way I can see for this to happen is that the action closed but the top lever dident come over to bring the bolts into battery. Is it auto safety ? I havent examined this model. If so it would be impossible to take the safety off in this condition. If not then a bit of shit on the action flats would allow the gun to appear closed but just the very tip of the bolts engaging. That is very scary !!

Regards